Jimmy Greene Quartet - Live At Smalls (2010)

Those who know Greene through his articulate tenor saxophone work with Tom Harrell will be startled by the first track here. The title, “Sense of Urgency,” is an extreme understatement. Greene’s commanding opening calls accumulate complexity over an obsessive crashing vamp by bassist Ugonna Okegwo and pianist Xavier Davis. Drummer Gregory Hutchinson storms and rages. Greene’s solo gets caught up in wild spins then splinters into jagged fragments. The rest of the album is more measured, and even has two grainy soprano saxophone ballads, but stays intense. The very best thing about the smalls-LIVE series is how these recordings recreate the visceral experience of Smalls, the hang itself. Engineer (and celebrated jazz photographer) Jimmy Katz comes up close on every instrument-appropriate for a club with 60 seats-but also lets in the applause, the tinkling glasses, the night air. ~ Extract by Thomas Conrad, jazztimes.com. 

SmallsLIVE Records, SL - 0012, 2011
Recorded 19th & 20th February, 2010 Live at Smalls Jazz Club, Greenwich Village NYC 

Musicians:
Jimmy Greene - Saxophone
Xavier Davis - Piano
Ugonna Okegwo - Bass
Gregory Hutchinson - Drums 

Tracks:
1. Sense Of Urgency {Jimmy Greene} (11:59)
2. Ugly Beauty {Thelonious Monk} (10:37)
3. Soul Music {Jimmy Greene} (12:10)
4. Self Portrait #1 {Jimmy Greene} (9:14)
5. Home {Jimmy Greene} (7:03)
6. Bloomfield {Jimmy Greene} (11:42) 

Total Time: 62:46 

Credits:
Producer, Executive Producer, Liner Notes - Spike Wilner
Recording Engineer - Jimmy Katz
Producer, Mixing Engineer - Ben Rubin [House Of Cha Cha]
Mastering Engineer - Gene Paul, Jamie Polaski [G & J Audio]
Design, Photography - Michelle Watt

LINK

Ugly Beauty

Toshiyuki Honda, Chick Corea, Miroslav Vitous, Roy Haynes - Dream (1984)

“Dream” is a 1983 jazz album by Japanese saxophonist Toshiyuki Honda, who is supported by an acclaimed American jazz trio consisting of Chick Corea on piano, Miroslav Vitouš on bass, and Roy Haynes on drums. The album was recorded at Toshiba EMI 3rd Studio and originally released in Japan in 1984 on the Eastworld label. This recording is a notable collaboration where Honda, playing alto and soprano saxophone, joins the trio of Corea, Vitous, and Haynes, who had previously released their own acoustic trio album, Trio Music, in 1982. The album is a notable Japanese Jazz Fusion/Hard Bop record, offering avant-garde explorations and spiritual jazz, well-regarded by collectors and fans of Japanese experimental jazz. 

Eastworld Records, EWJ-90027, 1984
Somethin' Else, TOCJ-8040, 1998
Recorded 9th-10th August, 1983 at Toshiba EMI Studio III, Tokyo, Japan 

Musicians:
Toshiyuki Honda - Alto Sax, Soprano Sax
Chick Corea - Piano
Miroslav Vitouš - Bass
Roy Haynes - Drums

Tracks:
1. Dream Comes True {Toshiyuki Honda} (5:39)
2. Sophisticated Lady {Duke Ellington, Irving Mills, Mitchell Parish} (7:51)
3. Co-Motion {Chick Corea} (12:16)
4. I Hear Rhapsody {George Fragos, Jack Baker, Dick Gasparre} (5:50)
5. Alice In Wonderland {Sammy Fain, Bob Hilliard} (6:58)
6. Ode To Siddhartha {Chick Corea} (9:58) 

Total Time: 48:37 

Credits:
Producer - Hiro Kaijwara, Toshiyuki Honda
Producer, Production Coordinator, Remixing - Chick Corea
Executive Producer - Nobuo Ohtani
Recording & Remixing Engineer - Yoshihisa Watanabe
Assistant Engineer - Fumisuke Usui
Remixing Engineer - Duncan Aldrich
Mastering Engineer - Shogo Takeuchi
Album Design - Heyglow Kobayashi
Photography [Front] - Tadayuki Naitoh
Photography [Back] - K. Abe

LINK

Dream Comes True

Claire Daly - Movin’ On (2002)

The CD title, Movin' On, won't be found among the 13 song titles, but the concept pervades the album. Some samples: "Softly as I Leave You," "Every Time We Say Goodbye," "After You’ve Gone," "Goodbye." Get the message? It’s Claire Daly’s way of dealing with a series of personal traumas, but if you’re expecting nearly 70 minutes of dirges played on that most appropriate instrument of sadness, the baritone sax, guess again. This is a gently swinging quartet session. This is Daly’s second album as a leader, but her resume as a side-woman stretches from Taj Mahal to the all-female big band Diva to Billy Taylor. Here she receives correct but uninspiring backing from pianist Eli Yamin, bassist Dave Hofstra and drummer Peter Grant. Daly’s improvisations-usually in the thinner air of the tenor range-are clean and well sculpted, but seldom adventurous. Her most heartfelt ballad efforts can be heard on "Every Time We Say Goodbye," and she responds nicely to guest trumpeter James Zollar when they trade eights on "If Ever I Would Leave You." Daly’s best moments can be heard on the swinger "You Said It," and when she digs down into the bowels of her horn for Monk's "Bye-Ya," Mingus' "Goodbye Porkpie Hat," Mulligan-inspired "Love Me or Leave Me" she truly captures the essence of farewell. Daly’s two vocals, "Smile" and "Some Other Time," are unadorned, almost tentative, but she knows how to leave out words in order to shape a line. ~ Harvey Siders, Jazztimes.com. 

Koch Jazz, KOC CD-51008, 2002
Recorded 30th & 31st May, 2001 at Nola Studios, New York City 

Musicians:
Claire Daly - Baritone Sax, Vocals (#5,13)
Eli Yamin - Piano
Dave Hofstra - Bass
Peter Grant - Drums
James Zollar - Trumpet (#2,7)

Tracks:
01. Softly As I Leave You {Antonio De Vita, Giorgio Calabrese, Hal Shaper} (4:22)
02. You Said It {Tommy Turrentine} (4:35)
03. Every Time We Say Goodbye {Cole Porter} (4:34)
04. Goodbye {Gordon Jenkins} (7:02)
05. Smile {Charlie Chaplin} (5:00)
06. After You’ve Gone {Henry Creamer, Turner Layton} (5:41)
07. If Ever I Would Leave You {Alan Jay Lerner, Frederick Loewe} (6:29)
08. Goodbye Porkpie Hat {Charles Mingus} (5:30)
09. Birdie Bye {Joel Forrester} (5:14)
10. A Bientot {Billy Taylor} (5:51)
11. Bye-Ya {Thelonious Monk} (4:13)
12. Love Me Or Leave Me {Gus Kahn, Walter Donaldson} (5:56)
13. Some Other Time {Betty Comden, Adolph Green, Leonard Bernstein} (2:47) 

Total Time: 67:20 

Credits:
Producer, Editing - David Merrill
Engineer - Jim Czak
Engineer [Assistant] - Dan Hewins
Package Design - Colleen Cody
Photography - Enid Farber
Liner Notes - Lara Pellegrinelli

LINK

You Said It

Mayuko Katakura - The Echoes Of Three (2015)

“The Echoes of Three” is a 2015 jazz album by the Japanese pianist Mayuko Katakura. It is a piano trio session recorded in New York that features her reunion with former classmates from The Juilliard School, bassist Yasushi Nakamura and drummer Carmen Intorre. The album features six of Katakura's original compositions and interpretations of three jazz standards, one penned by Eric Dolphy, Wayne Shorter and Duke Pearson. She is noted for a balance of compositional planning and in-the-moment improvisation. Her style on the album has been described as incorporating elements of McCoy Tyner's angularity and Thelonious Monk's spontaneity. The album includes original tracks and covers of works by other jazz musicians. "Into Somewhere" originally, based on "Out Of Nowhere"; "At The Studio [Reunion]” is a group improvisation; "Directions" honors influences stemming from Mulgrew Miller and Geri Allen and "A Barfly's Hope" an original written for pianist Elmo Hope. Mayuko offers the listener a high-level jazz trio album, showcasing her brilliant playing and composing ability, enjoy! 

55 Records, FNCJ-5561, 2015
Recorded 10th & 11th March, 2015 at Samurai Hotel Recording Studio, Astoria, New York 

Musicians:
Mayuko Katakura - Piano
Yasushi Nakamura - Bass
Carmen Intorre - Drums 

Tracks:
1. Echo {Mayuko Katakura} (4:39)
2. Into Somewhere {Mayuko Katakura} (6:30)
3. A Dancer’s Melancholy {Mayuko Katakura} (7:25)
4. At The Studio [Reunion] {Mayuko Katakura} (5:24)
5. Directions {Mayuko Katakura} (6:45)
6. Serene {Eric Dolphy} (8:00)
7. Pinocchio {Wayne Shorter} (3:45)
8. You Know I Care {Duke Pearson} (6:51)
9. A Barfly’s Hope {Mayuko Katakura} (5:13) 

Total Time: 54:35 

Credits:
Producer - Mayuko Katakura
Recording, Mixing & Mastering - Katsuhiko Naito

LINK

Pinocchio

Joshua Redman Quartet - Passage Of Time (2001)

Talk about the passage of time, a turn of phrase that gives Joshua Redman’s new album its name, hard to believe that it’s been eight years since the saxophonist released his first album as a leader. Since then, Redman has consistently been the darling of a new generation of jazz lovers, while also raising the ears of those seasoned listeners who appreciate the sense of history and tradition that Redman lays bear with his horn. Although two of his previous records featured guitarists (namely, Pat Metheny and Peter Bernstein), Redman has remained committed to the quartet format and Passage of Time is no exception there (the latest group features Aaron Goldberg, Rueben Rogers, and Gregory Hutchinson). Our leader also likes to write his own material and this holds true for this new endeavor too, although it arguably contains some of his best work in this area. Firing things up, Redman starts the disc off by himself with a proclamation that utilizes the tenor’s full range and expressive manner. "Before" acts as a call to worship, leading us to the upbeat swing of "Free Speech, Phase I." Over a vamp, drummer Hutchinson develops a nice froth and foam that leads to the peaceful strains of "Free Speech, Phase II." Four lengthier cuts then provide the meat and potatoes. "Time" clocks in at over ten minutes and the ominous ballad is very close to a musical dialogue, with both Redman and Goldberg tossing phrases back and forth at each other. “Enemies Within” provides the up-tempo swing factor with Redman at his most animated, only to then cool the waters with the aptly titled vignette "After." Throughout Passage of Time, which in some ways functions almost like a suite, Redman’s writing and playing evolves through the use of extended forms that allow for plenty of expressive leg room. This takes the music to a new level that simply cannot be reached via your standard blowing session. ~ by C. Andrew Hovan, AAJ. 

Warner Bros. Records, 9362-47997-2, 2001
Recorded June, 2000 at Avatar Studios, New York City;
River Sound, New York & Sterling Sound, New York 

Musicians:
Joshua Redman - Tenor Sax, Arranger
Aaron Goldberg - Piano
Reuben Rogers - Bass
Gregory Hutchinson - Drums

Tracks:
1. Before (1:50)
2. Free Speech, Phase I (7:05)
3. Free Speech, Phase II (4:29)
4. Our Minuet (8:28)
5. Bronze (8:27)
6. Time (10:38)
7. Enemies Within (9:23)
8. After (3:44) 

All compositions by Joshua Redman 

Total Time: 54:08 

Credits:
Producer - Joshua Redman
Producer [Associate], Engineer - James Farber
Engineer [Assistant] - Anthony Gorman, Aya Nakamora
Mastering Engineer - Greg Calbi
Art Direction - Frank Olinsky
Photography - Duane Michals

LINK

Free Speech, Phase II - Discussion

Yoko Miwa - Fadeless Flower (2003)

Yoko Miwa's regular gig is with the Ryles Jazz Orchestra in Boston, her adopted home since she left the classical world behind and took advantage of a Berklee scholarship to complete the jazz studies she'd begun in her native Japan. She has since been a member of the Berklee faculty and gigged regularly in the Northeast, but she really shines in the trio context. Her second album as a leader (supported beautifully by bassist Greg Loughman and drummer Scott Goulding) is one of the warmest, most unapologetically lyrical jazz albums of the year, but despite its surface charms it doesn't come across as shallow or simplistic in any way. Miwa displays her facility with a variety of styles on this all-original program, from strutting blues ("Blues in the Cave") to reflective ballads (the gorgeous "In My Heart") and percolating bebop ("Black Bunny"). But what's consistently impressive is her ability to deliver complex and challenging musical ideas in a compelling and yet frequently gentle and inviting way. Very highly recommended. ~ Rick Anderson, AMG. 

PJL Records, MTCJ-3009, 2003
Polystar Records, Digital, 2003
Recorded 19th & 20th June, 2002 at:
Boston, MA; PBS Recording Studios, Westwood, MA 

Musicians:
Yoko Miwa - Piano
Greg Loughman - Bass
Scott Goulding - Drums 

Tracks:
1. Sorrowful Moon (8:42)
2. Fadeless Flower (7:04)
3. Blues In The Cave (7:27)
4. In My Heart (5:49)
5. Momentum (7:46)
6. Flood Of Tears (8:54)
7. Black Bunny (5:28)
8. Love (6:25)
9. Finding The Sun (7:39) 

All compositions by Yoko Miwa 

Total Time: 65:21 

Credits:
Coordinator - Kuniya Inaoka
Engineer - Peter Kontrimas
Mastering Engineer - Seiji Kaneko
A&R - Takashi Tannaka
Liner Notes - Masahiko Yuh

LINK

Fadeless Flower

John Handy - New View! The New John Handy Quintet {New link to CD rip]

Well the holiday season is in full swing (no pun intended), and hopefully I can bring some cheer over the next few weeks.  I have posted the last of my 16 bit albums so starting with this post, everything going forward will be in 24 bit/ 48kbps.

John Handy belongs to a circle of jazz artists whom have, for the most part, been grossly overlooked by even the jazz buying community at large.  A musician's musician, he is joined by other sax players like Booker Ervin, Bunky Green, Nathan Davis & Curtis Amy (to name a few) who also belong to this tribe.

It turns out that I couldn't have picked a better recording for the nuanced detail of a higher resolution transfer.  New View! is a gorgeous offering from Handy, combining several styles to create an overall vibe of tremendous space and feeling.  With only three tunes, we are treated to what can only be described as a musical adventure.  Handy pulls the listener in gently, and before you know it, he has strapped you to your seat for a bumpy ride.

His style is best described as inside/outside but I feel that this album goes beyond just Handy himself.  The entire quintet create an atmosphere which is all at once soulful, melodic and at times, tense.  It's this tension and suspended moments of intensity which help set up Handy's voice and ultimately, his message. Wonderful and inspired soloing from all, but particularily Handy who is clearly motivated to get his message across.

This LP is infact a live recording, done at the infamous Village Gate.  The crowd are completely subdued and it's easy to forget the location and circumstances of the recording.  But the fact is, these musicians are truly in the moment and we are getting the best that jazz has to offer - the epitome of the craft.  My record is in great condition and cleaned up really nicely.  That combined with the wonderful fidelity of the recording itself makes for a fantastic listening experience.  The soundstage is surprisingly cavernous which really helps to convey that live atmosphere.  Ripped at 24bit/48kbps and converted to FLAC, this gift is ready for the most scrutinizing of ears... enjoy!!!!

Altoist John Handy's 1967 quintet included vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson, the up and coming guitarist Pat Martino, bassist Albert Stinson and drummer Doug Sides. They really stretch out on three pieces (John Coltrane's "Naima" and an original), and New View is highlighted by Handy's emotional and episodic "Tears of Ole Miss (Anatomy of a Riot)," which clocks in at 23:45. The inside/outside music is quite picturesque, emotional, and ultimately logical. It is a pity that John Handy did not make more of an impact on the mainstream of jazz, but his three Columbia studio albums still sound fresh decades later. - Scott Yanow / AMG

Columbia CS9497
Recorded live at the Village Gate, New York City, June 28, 1967.

Alto Saxophone – John Handy
Bass – Albert Stinson
Drums – Doug Sides
Guitar – Pat Martino
Vibraphone – Bobby Hutcherson

1. Naima (In Memory Of John Coltrane)  9:34

2. A Little Quiet  13:29

3. Tears Of Ole Miss (Anatomy Of A Riot)  31:00

Ben Haugland - A Million Dreams (2015)

During the course of A Million Dreams, pianist Ben Haugland's second date as a leader, most of the trappings of a typical mainstream jazz record are present and easy to identify. Not unlike a lot of young leaders who are fusing their own creative aspirations with an allegiance to the tradition, Haugland penned four of the disc's eight tracks, and chose three American Standards and a Charlie Parker tune to round out the program. Another recognizable element is the presence of a propulsive, flexible, sensitive rhythm section comprised of Haugland, bassist Jay Anderson and drummer Chris Smith. Haugland, tenor saxophonist Stephen Jones, and trumpeter Scott Wendholt are capable soloists with stimulating things to say, excellent organizational skills, and ample technique. 

While all of these things are significant in themselves, the factors that make A Million Dreams qualitatively different than a slew other recent recordings with a similar conception and instrumentation aren't quite as easy to delineate. A careless listener might contend that the disc is, stylistically and spiritually, just another knockoff of any number of Blue Note, Prestige, or perhaps, Contemporary sides from the 50s or 60s. However, a hasty, facile verdict doesn't come close to telling the whole tale. Though the disc can be listened to casually and enjoyed as such, only repeat visits, close attention, and a willingness to focus on the work from different perspectives reveals the full extent of the band's virtues, as well as delivering some very large rewards. 

The overall sound of Haugland's group surpasses the individual contributions. These guys play the leader's genuinely original compositions - and the rest of the material - with absolute conviction, as well as a great deal of skill and precision. No one sounds anxious to rush through the heads in order to seize an opportunity to blow. For example, the band navigates the twists and turns of Haugland's lively, extended "When Day Met Night," with élan. In lesser hands the composition might not sound nearly as convincing. The same can be said for his lovely, pensive "Dreamscape," in which the group underscores the composition's lyrical quality, and delivers just the right degree of assertiveness. 

A Million Dreams is a confluence of excellent original compositions, empathetic ensemble playing and group interplay, as well as memorable solo statements. Highly recommended. ~ Extract by David A. Orthmann, AAJ. 

Dazzle Recordings, DR905, 2015 

Musicians:
Ben Haugland - Piano
Scott Wendholt - Trumpet
Stephen Jones - Tenor Sax
Jay Anderson - Bass
Chris Smith - Drums 

Tracks:
1. When Day Met Night {Ben Haugland} (7:51)
2. Birds Of A Feather {Johnny Burke, James Van Heusen} (6:19)
3. Here's That Rainy Day {Johnny Burke, James Van Heusen} (8:20)
4. Dreamscape {Ben Haugland} (6:52)
5. Second Sight {Ben Haugland} (5:32)
6. A Weaver Of Dreams {Jack Elliott, Joe Young} (5:20)
7. Dedicated To You {Ben Haugland} (7:17)
8. Big Foot {Charlie Parker} (4:27) 

Total Time: 52:03

LINK

A Weaver Of Dreams

Hubert Laws - Wild Flower (1972) [vinyl]

Wild Flower by Hubert Laws is praised for its sophisticated arrangements, which feature a blend of jazz improvisation with a string section, and a highly-talented studio ensemble. Reviewers note Laws' masterful flute playing, but also highlight the album's compositional depth, with arrangements by John Murtaugh and impressive performances from studio musicians like Chick Corea, Ron Carter, and Richard Davis. It is considered a classic and highly-rated album. AI Overview. 

A nice date from an earlier Laws period with a harder tone and more traditional jazz direction. ~ by Ron Wynn, AMG. 

Atlantic Records, SD 1624, 1972
Recorded 22nd October (#A2,A3) & 23rd November (#A1,B1,B2), 1971
and 27th January, 1972 (#B3) at Atlantic Recording Studios. New York 

Musicians:
Hubert Laws - Flute, Alto Flute, Piccolo, Flute [Amplified]
Ron Carter - Bass
Richard Davis - Bass (#A1-B2)
Chick Corea - Piano (#B3)
Gary Burton - Vibraphone (#B3)
Bernard Purdie - Drums (#B3)
Ramon "Mongo" Santamaría - Congas (#B3)
Joe Chambers, Airto Moreira, Warren Smith - Percussion (#B3) 

Strings:
Bernard Eichen, David Nadien, Harry Lookofsky,
Matthew Raimondi, Paul Gershman - Violin (#A1-B2)
Aaron Rosand, Gene Orloff - Violin (#A2,A3)
Guy Lumia, John Pintavalle - Violin (#A1,B1,B2)
Harold Coletta, Harry Zaratzian, Richard Dickler - Viola (#A1-B2)
Julian Barber - Viola (#A2,A3)
Selwart Clarke - Viola (#A1,B1,B2)
\George Ricci, Richard Bock - Cello (#A1-B2)
Alan Shulman, Seymour Barab - Cello (#A2,A3)
Charles McCracken, Harvey Shapiro - Cello (#A1,B1,B2)
John Murtaugh - Arranger, Conductor 

Tracks:
A1. Wildflower {John Murtaugh} (3:10)
A2. Pensativa {Clare Fischer} (4:02)
A3. Equinox {John Coltrane} (6:21)
B1. Ashanti {John Murtaugh} (5:27)
B2. Motherless Child {Traditional; Arr. John Murtaugh} (5:30)
B3. Yoruba {John Murtaugh} (6:04) 

Total Time: 30:34 

Credits:
Producer - Joel Dorn
Recording Engineer - Lew Hahn
Remixing Engineer - Neal Ceppos
Contractor [Musical] - Hal Grant
Cover - Robert Andrew Parker
Art Direction, Design - Richard Mantel
Lacquer Cut - GP

LINK

Pensativa

Stanley Turrentine - If I Could (1993)

This session from tenor-saxophonist Stanley Turrentine often sounds like a CTI recording from the 1970s although Creed Taylor had nothing to do with it. Backed by Don Sebesky's arrangements and assisted by a strong rhythm section and Hubert Laws's flute, Turrentine's solos are stronger than the melodies and he generally overcomes the unimaginative use of strings on the ballads. Mr. T. is in fine form and he makes the most of each selection (particularly on the two blues "June Bug" and "A Luta Continua") while Laws comes across much more creative than he does on most of his own recordings. Recommended. ~ by Scott Yanow, AMG. 

"If I Could" is a 1993 album by Stanley Turrentine that is a strong and satisfying listen, though some critics note that the arrangements, particularly the strings, can be unimaginative. It is recommended for fans of the saxophonist who want to explore his work beyond his earlier Blue Note period. The album is described as having a 1970s CTI sound and features Turrentine's solos as a highlight. AI Overview. 

MusicMasters Jazz, 01612-65103-2, 1993
Recorded 10th-12th May, 1983 (#1,2,4,5,7) at Sound On Sound Recording Studios, New York City
13th May, 1993 (#3,6,8) at National Recording Studio, New York City 

Musicians:
Stanley Turrentine - Tenor Sax
Hubert Laws - Flute, Piccolo
Sir Roland Hanna - Piano
Ron Carter - Bass
Grady Tate - Drums
Gloria Agostini - Harp
Vincent Leroy Evans - Kalimba (#7)
Steve Kroon - Percussion
Matthew Raimondi - Strings, Concert Master
Don Sebesky - Arranger, Conductor 

Tracks:
1. June Bug {Tommy Turrentine} (7:56)
2. Caravan {Duke Ellington, Juan Tizol, Irving Mills} (15:23)
3. I Remember Bill {Don Sebesky} (6:19)
4. The Avenue {Charles Fambrough} (4:04)
5. Marvin's Song {Tommy Turrentine} (6:15)
6. Maybe September {Percy Faith, Jay Livingston, Ray Evans} (3:35)
7. A Luta Continua {Vincent Leroy Evans} (6:29)
8. If I Could {Pat Metheny} (4:46) 

Total Time: 54:51 

Credits:
Producer, Director, Liner Notes - Don Sebesky
Engineer - Jimmy Douglas
Cover Photo - Rex Miller
Design - Kristen Stephen

LINK

The Avenue

Chet Baker - At Capolinea (1983)

This studio session is distinguished by excellent, mostly Italian jazz tunes, and a very attractive group of players not usually associated with the trumpeter. The compatible flute of Nicola Stilo wonderfully complements Baker's dry, unemotional sound, while the addition of a third horn, Diane Varva's soprano sax, adds body to the sound. A very strong rhythm section of pianist Michel Grailler, bassist Riccardo dal Frà, and drummer Leo Mitchell rounds out a tight, well-groomed collective. Baker is in fine form, but he skips the vocals. Bruno Martino's "Estate" is hauntingly rendered, while J.J. Johnson's "Lament" is given an attractive reading. This amounts to a very accessible, enjoyable set of tunes -- one that may not win any awards, but should reward those who appreciate the delicate and lovely nature of Chet Baker's art. ~ by Steve Loewy, AMG. 

Red Records, RR 123206 - 2 CD, 1996
Recorded October 1983 at Cap Studio, Milano, Italy 

Musicians:
Chet Baker - Trumpet
Nicola Stilo - Flute
Diane Varva - Soprano Sax
Michel Grailler - Piano
Riccardo Del Frà - Bass
Leo Mitchell - Drums 

Tracks:
1. Estate {Bruno Martino} (11:50)
2. Francamente {Nicola Stilo} (5:13)
3. Dream Drop {Michel Grailler} (4:22)
4. Lament {J.J. Johnson} (9:34)
5. Pioggia Sul Deserto {Nicola Stilo} (5:24)
6. Finestra Sul Mare {Riccardo Del Frà} (6:50) 

Total Time: 43:34 

Credits:
Producer - Giorgio Vanni
Recording Engineer - Gianni Prudente
Remixing Engineer - Giancarlo Barigozzi
Layout - Marco E Alessandra Pennisi
Photo - Paola Bensi

LINK

Dream Drops

New York Jazz Quartet - Blues For Sarka (1978)

The New York Jazz Quartet, an excellent though overlooked band which was active in the 1970s and 1980s, is heard live at Jazzclub Domicile in Munich on this Enja album. Pianist Roland Hanna, the founder of the group, is accompanied by tenor saxophonist Frank Wess, bassist George Mraz, and drummer Grady Tate, who had just replaced Richard Pratt. Aside from an extended workout of Miles Davis' "All Blues," which centers on Wess' soulful tenor sax, the remainder of this performance consists of originals each by Hanna or Mraz. The pianist's exciting "Rodney Round Robin," which he had debuted only two years earlier while recording a studio date under Red Rodney's leadership, contrasts strikingly with his dark, funky "Smelly Jelly Belly." The bassist's contributions are also laudable. The feverish "I'll Tell You Tonight" is like a roller coaster with plenty of hairpin turns, while his "Blues for Sarka" isn't actually a blues at all but a heartfelt ballad. Issued by both Inner City and Enja, this now out of print disc is easily one of the best releases by the New York Jazz Quartet. ~ by Ken Dryden, AMG. 

Enja Records, ENJA 3025, 1978
Enja Records, ENJA 3025-2, 1998
Recorded 17th May, 1978 "Live" at the Jazzclub Domicile, München, West Germany 

Musicians:
Roland Hanna - Piano
Frank Wess - Flute, Tenor Sax
George Mraz - Bass, Bass [Upright]
Grady Tate - Drums 

Tracks:
1. All Blues {Miles Davis} (15:29)
2. Rodney Round Robin {Roland Hanna} (5:44)
3. I'll Tell You Tonite {George Mraz} (7:14)
4. Blues For Sarka {George Mraz} (7:11)
5. Smelly Jelly Belly {Roland Hanna} (9:33) 

Total Time: 45:13 

Credits:
Producer, Liner Notes - Horst Weber
Recording Engineer - Carlos Albrecht
Cover Photo - Josef Werkmeister
Photography - Hans Harzheim

LINK

Blues For Sarka

Abraham Burton - Closest To The Sun (1994)

“Closest To The Sun” is Abraham Burton's first recording as a leader, which was released by Enja Records in 1994. The album is a showcase for an emerging alto saxophonist, who sets about to explore a variety of hard bop and post-bop tunes. For this session Abraham assembled a quartet that comprised of pianist Marc Cary, bassist Billy Johnson and drummer and fellow producer Eric McPherson. Essentially, it is a great introduction to Abraham's abilities as both player and composer. On that note, he offers up three of his own compositions, one coming from Marc Cary and Eric McPherson, completing the playlist with three jazz classics. Overall, a bright start to a wonderful career, enjoy! 

Enja Records, ENJ-8074 2, 1994
Recorded 11th & 12th March, 1994 at Systems Two Studios, Brooklyn, New York City 

Musicians:
Abraham Burton - Alto Saxophone
Marc Cary - Piano
Billy Johnson - Double Bass
Eric McPherson - Drums 

Tracks:
1. Minor March {Jackie McLean} (7:52)
2. Laura {Johnny Mercer, David Raksin} (4:59)
3. E=MC {Eric McPherson} (3:50)
4. Romancing You {Abraham Burton} (6:07)
5. So Gracefully {Marc Cary} (12:57)
6. Corrida De Toros {Abraham Burton} (8:48)
7. Left Alone {Mal Waldron} (5:52)
8. Closest To The Sun {Abraham Burton} (7:13)
9. So Gracefully [Radio Version] {Marc Cary} (7:19) 

Total Time: 65:30 

Credits:
Producer - Abraham Burton, Eric McPherson, Gust William Tsilis
Executive Producer - Matthias Winckelmann
Engineer - Mike Marciano
Design - Elisabeth Winckelmann
Photography - Jimmy Katz
Liner Notes - Gene Kalbacher

LINK 

Closest To The Sun

Eric Person - Arrival (1993)

Eric inherited a strong blues inflexion from his musician father. A child prodigy, the young man sampled all kinds of music before settling on modern jazz. This record makes a highly confident start. Burrage and fellow Hamilton alumnus DeNigris are spot-on for Person's smart but funky music. Eric has a seemingly limitless bag of ideas and varies his attack nicely according to the material. ~ www.amazon.com. 

This is Eric’s first album as a leader and release on Soul Note Records. For this album he surrounds himself with some excellent musicians which include pianist Michael Cain, guitarist Cary Denigris on two tracks, bassist Kenny Davis and drummer Ronnie Burrage. Eric presents seven of his own compositions with remainder comprising of one by Kenny Davis and another from Chico Hamilton, a musician with whom he toured extensively earlier in his career. As a whole the group across a number sessions expounds a post-bop essence that is truly engaging to the listener, enjoy! 

Soul Note Records, 121237-2, 1993
Recorded 24th,25th,28th & 29th August, 1992 at Master Sound Astoria, New York 

Musicians:
Eric Person - Alto Sax, Soprano Sax
Michael Cain - Keyboards, Piano
Cary Denigris - Guitar (#4,8)
Kenny Davis - Bass
Ronnie Burrage - Drums, Percussion 

Tracks:
1. Arrival {Eric Person} (9:18)
2. Tiger In The Maze {Eric Person} (4:55)
3. When Morning Comes {Eric Person} (4:47)
4. Great Expectations {Eric Person} (1:53)
5. Where's The Peace? {Eric Person} (4:32)
6. Beauty Beyond Time {Kenny Davis} (3:55)
7. Implications {Eric Person} (9:10)
8. Every Time I Smile {Chico Hamilton} (4:42)
9. Personified {Eric Person} (5:49) 

Total Time: 49:01 

Credits:
Producer - Eric Person
Executive-Producer - Giovanni Bonandrini
Recording & Mixing Engineer - David Merrill
Assistant Engineer - Tony Viamontes
Mastering Engineer - Gennaro Carone
Artwork [Cover] - Xerios
Photography - Colette Oswald
Liner Notes - Mitch Goldman

LINK

Eric Person - Prophecy (1994)

This session, featuring both originals and interpretations of compositions by Wayne Shorter and John Coltrane, has many interesting and compelling moments but also contains long stretches where Person's technical brilliance can't prevent the listener from becoming weary hearing an array of scales, phrases, honks, and repeated riffs. The most exciting moments are his elaborations of Coltrane's "Up Against the Wall" and the 13-minute "Interstellar Space Suite," where Person's dynamic, aggressive statements offer an energetic updating and skillful presentation of vintage material. His own tunes are more erratic, but Person is a first-rate player. ~ by Ron Wynn, AMG. 

Soul Note Records, 121287, 1994
Recorded 7th,8th March, 1992 and 20th,21st,23rd February, 1993
at Master Sound Studios, New York, NY 

Musicians:
Eric Person - Alto Sax, Soprano Sax, Keyboards, Slave Bells
Cary Denigris - Guitar
Kenny Davis - Bass

Tracks:
01. Prophecy {Eric Person} (3:50)
02. Plummet {Eric Person} (5:53)
03. Up Against The Wall {John Coltrane} (4:40)
04. Carry On {Eric Person} (1:39)
05. Delores {Wayne Shorter} (4:09)
06. Improvisation In Linear B {Eric Person} (9:18)
07. Next Love {Eric Person} (3:53)
08. Ancient Sun {Eric Person} (6:13)
09. Orian's Jam Sandwich {Eric Person} (1:36)
10. Interstellar Space Suite: Jupiter/Venus/Leo {John Coltrane} (13:06)
11. Rapture {Eric Person} (1:46) 

Total Time: 56:05 

Credits:
Producer - Eric Person
Executive Producer - Giovanni Bonandrini
Recording & Mixing Engineer - David Merrill
Assistant Engineer - David Parla, Joe Randazzo
Mastering - Gennaro Carone [PhonoComp]
Photography - Welch Golightly
Cover Art - Xerios

LINK

Kaori Kobayashi - Urban Stream (2013)

Asia's most beautiful saxophone player, Kaori Kobayashi, presents an urban instrumental R&B album. In addition to original R&B-flavored tracks, covers of "Lovin' You" and "September" are produced by R&B creator Nobu-K, who has worked with EXILE and Namie Amuro, and Manaboon, who is also produced by Shota Shimizu and Miliyah Kato. This stylish, urban saxophone R&B album is a collaboration with cutting-edge trackmakers such as Swing-O a.k.a. 45, known for producing Miho Fukuhara and Minmi, and Yoichiro Kakizaki, who has worked with Toshinobu Kubota, Chemistry, Yuki Koyanagi, and others. This is the eighth album from popular and talented saxophone artist Kaori Kobayashi, who has been praised by the Thai Saxophone Association as "Asia's Most Beautiful Saxophone Player" and whose Taiwanese albums have topped the jazz charts for two consecutive years. It's also her second self-produced release. ~ kaorikobayashi.com. [Translated From Japanese] 

JVC Entertainment, VICJ-61680, 2013
Recorded at Power House Studio, Suginami-ku, Tokyo, Japan 

Musicians:
Kaori Kobayashi - Alto Sax (#1-3,5-10,12,13), Flute (#11), Arranger
Takahiro Izumikawa - Programming, Arranger (#1)
Nobuya Kato - Programming, Arranger (#2,7)
Yoichiro Kakizaki - Programming, Arranger (#3)
Toshiaki Otsubo - Programming, Arranger (#4,5,11)
Kyoko Osako - Programming, Arranger (#6)
Takuya "Tak" Tanaka - Programming, Arranger (#8)
Shingo Suzuki - Programming, Arranger (#9)
Swing-O - Programming, Arranger (#10)
Tadashi Ohtsubo - Programming, Arranger (#12)
Manaboon - Programming, Arranger (#13)

Tracks:
01. Prayer {Kaori Kobayashi} (5:40)
02. Time {Kaori Kobayashi} (5:34)
03. Dream Market {Kaori Kobayashi} (4:46)
04. Gotta Go To School [Interlude] {Kaori Kobayashi} (0:32)
05. Gotta Go To School {Kaori Kobayashi} (4:22)
06. Solitude {Kaori Kobayashi} (4:36)
07. Cat's & Dog {Kaori Kobayashi} (4:32)
08. Tears {Kaori Kobayashi} (4:48)
09. Sulty Nights {Kaori Kobayashi} (5:15)
10. Back Street {Kaori Kobayashi} (4:40)
11. Lovin' You {Minnie Riperton, Richard Rudolph} (4:51)
12. September {Al McKay, Allee Willis, Maurice White} (5:08)
13. City Lights {Kaori Kobayashi} (5:44) 

Total Time: 60:36 

Credits:
Producer - Kaori Kobayashi
Executive-Producer - Gen Kato, Sumio Jono
Recording & Mixing Engineer - Takao Nakazato
Engineer [Assistant] - Kaori Kato
Mastering Engineer - Hiroshi Kawasaki
Photography - Naoto Ohkawa
Art Direction, Design - Kenji Kikuchi

LINK

Lovin' You

Chet Baker Quartet - Chet Baker In Paris Vol. 1 (1956)

In October 1955, Chet Baker and his Quartet were to give a series of concerts, notably in France. Many French people expected a playboy and dilettante trumpeter to get off the plane; the man who arrived was someone who lived only for, and by, his art. A first album recorded in Paris placed him in the jazz avant-garde; the series of recordings that followed formed the private journal of someone so incapable of hiding his emotions that he sublimated them in the only way he knew: in music. Volume One brings together the first two sessions recorded on October 11 and 14, 1955. With Richard “Dick” Twardzik on piano, Jimmy Bond on bass and Peter Littmann on drums, Chet performs eight originals of Robert L. ‘Bob’ Zieff ("Rondette," "Pièce-Caprice," "Mid-Forte," "Re-search," "Pomp," "Sad Walk," "Just Duo," "Brash") plus a solitary contribution from Twardzik ("The Girl From Greenland.") ~ shop.udiscovermusic.com. 

Recorded 11th & 14th October, 1955 at the Pathé-Magellan Studio, Paris, France 

Musicians:
Chet Baker - Trumpet
Dick Twardzik - Piano
Jimmy Bond - Bass
Peter Littman - Drums 

Tracks:
A1. Rondette {Bob Zieff} (2:10)
A2. Pièce Caprice {Bob Zieff} (5:11)
A3. Mid-Forte {Bob Zieff} (3:07)
A4. Re-search {Bob Zieff} (5:00)
A5. Pomp {Bob Zieff} (4:42)
B1. Sad Walk {Bob Zieff} (4:15)
B2. Just Duo {Bob Zieff} (4:12)
B3. The Girl From Greenland {Dick Twardzik} (5:15)
B4. Brash {Bob Zieff} (5:54) 

Total Time: 39:53

LINK

Brash

Chet Baker Quartet - Chet Baker In Paris Vol. 2 (1956)

In October 1955, Chet Baker and his Quartet were to give a series of concerts, notably in France. Many French people expected a playboy and dilettante trumpeter to get off the plane; the man who arrived was someone who lived only for, and by, his art. A first album recorded in Paris placed him in the jazz avant-garde; the series of recordings that followed formed the private journal of someone so incapable of hiding his emotions that he sublimated them in the only way he knew: in music. On Volume Two, recorded October 24, just three days after Twardzik's passing (due to an overdose), Chet leads his quartet with only Jimmy Bond left from his original accompanying trio, young French pianist Gérard Gustin, and Swedish drummer Nils-Bertil Dahlander (filling in Peter Littman who returned to America). Given the context, they fall back on standards, Chet choosing eight: "These Foolish Things," "There's a Small Hotel," "Autumn In New York," "Summertime," "You Go To My Head," "Tenderly," "I'll Remember April," and "Lover Man."  The whole session exudes a kind of sadness that's impossible to put down, whatever the choice of tune or tempo. ~ shop.udiscovermusic.com. 

Recorded 24th October, 1955 at Studio Pathe Magellan, Paris, France 

Musicians:
Chet Baker - Trumpet
Gérard Gustin - Piano
Jimmy Bond - Bass
Bert Dahlander - Drums 

Tracks:
A1. There's A Small Hotel {Richard Rodgers, Lorenz Hart} (3:47)
A2. I'll Remember April {Don Raye, Gene De Paul, Patricia Johnston} (5:54)
A3. These Foolish Things {Harry Link, Holt Mavell, Jack Strachey} (4:44)
A4. Autumn In New York {Vernon Duke} (7:07)
B1. Summertime {DuBose Heyward, George Gershwin} (4:15)
B2. You Go To My Head {J. Fred Coots} (5:53)
B3. Tenderly {Jack Lawrence, Walter Gross} (6:40)
B4. Lover Man {Jimmy Davis, Jimmy Sherman, Roger Ramirez} (4:55) 

Total Time: 43:20

LINK 

You Go To My Head

Chet Baker Quartet - Live At Fasching, Stockholm, Sweden (1978)

Chet Baker was very active in Europe, especially after his famous comeback in the early 1970s, but he had already been banned from several countries by the late 1960s, including France, Switzerland, and Italy, following the Lucca riots. In Germany, for example, he was arrested in Berlin for drug possession and, after being held in prison for 40 days, was banished from the country and deported to the USA in March 1964. There, as throughout Europe, Chet's figure became legendary, and when he was able to return in the fall of 1978, thanks to the efforts of John Snyder and Gabrielle Kleinschmidt, the fan reception was remarkable, and many clubs hired the trumpeter again. On November 1st, Baker embarked on a long tour with Phil Markowitz on piano, Jeff Brillinger on drums, and Scott Lee on bass, as usual disorganized to the point of exhaustion, with daily stops ranging from Berlin to France, from Nuremberg to the Netherlands, from Dortmund to Stockholm, and so on. From those two months in 1978, at least four historic recordings are known to exist in the archives, two of which with Jean-Louis Rassinfosse replacing Scott Lee: "Live at Nick's" in the Netherlands, and the three titles recorded in France: "Live in Chateauvallon," "Broken Wing," and "Two a Day." However, many other recorded concerts are circulating among fans, but they have not been turned into official releases. ~ Extract from jazzfromitaly.blogspot.com. [Translated from Italian] 

One such recording is this one, an audience recording captured in 1978 live at a concert held in Fasching, Sweden. The original FLAC tracks were located via Soulseek, but needed some TLC.  Converted to WAV removing excess applause at beginning and end. Finally, tested and re-encoded to FLAC adding tags and some art, enjoy! 

Audience Recording
Recorded 11th December, 1978 Live at Fasching, Stockholm, Sweden 

Musicians:
Chet Baker - Trumpet, Vocals
Phil Markowitz - Piano
Jean-Louis Rassinfosse - Bass
Jeff Brilllinger - Drums

Tracks:
1. If I Should Lose You {Ralph Rainger, Leo Robin} (11:41)
2. Sad Walk {Bob Zieff} (15:30)
3. There Will Never Be Another You {Harry Warren, Mack Gordon} (10:12)
4. But Not For Me {George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin} (12:15)
5. Love For Sale {Cole Porter} (15:37)
6. The Touch Of Your Lips {Ray Noble} (15:31) 

Total Time: 01:20:46

LINK

Love For Sale [Excerpt]